GUISELEY'S Marcus Bignot says he's excited about pitting his managerial wits against Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa in a friendly tonight.

The Lions host the Championship giants tonight (7.45pm kick-off), followed by the visit of League Two side Scunthorpe United in a friendly on Saturday (3pm). These are the latest two fixtures ahead of Guiseley's first game of the new Vanarama National League season against King's Lynn Town on Saturday, August 3.

This follows a 2-0 home defeat to neighbours Bradford City last Saturday, a clash with drew a crowd of 1,799.

But Bignot says the visit of Leeds will bring much-needed cash into the Guiseley coffers.

He said: "It's always good to play against Leeds' first team. It is important for us financially.

"Bielsa and his staff could not be any more forthcoming with us.

"They will treat it like we have drawn them in an FA Cup tie. No stone will be unturned by them. It is a game we want to win.

"Leeds will prepare well and approach it no differently to a Championship game.

"Nine times out of 10, will we get a result? No, but who knows? It's going to test us in every way.

"I'm absolutely delighted Leeds are playing us. We have links with them. We can share ideas. It's key that we build that relationship.

"We want to help in every way we can with Leeds' preparation for the new season."

Meanwhile, Guiseley have made a double swoop ahead of tonight's friendly against Leeds United.

Dylan Barkers and Reiss McNally have signed for the Lions.

Midfielder Barkers, 18, re-joins Guiseley after a loan spell with the club last season.

After prospering in Marcus Bignot’s Academy last season he signed a first team contract at Solihull Moors. His spell at Nethermoor drew interest from Premier League clubs which saw him go into Leicester City at the back end of last season.

Barkers is joined at Guiseley by right-back McNally, also 18, who along with Barkers figured in Guiseley’s pre-season friendly against Bradford City.

Both will remain on their full-time football programme and continue to pursue their Degrees in Sport Science at Solihull College and University Centre as well as playing in the Vanarama National League North as semi-professional footballers with Guiseley.

This double signing follows the departure of one of last season's leading Lions.

Midfielder Will Hatfield has left the club and joined fellow Vanarama National League North side Darlington.

Hatfield arrived at Guiseley in 2015 and went on to make 163 appearances, scoring 20 goals with one player of the season award to his name and first and second place in the goal of the season vote.